Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring stand out as intriguing options to explore. The Keygeek Raw boasts a unique material blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon, creating a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. Perfect for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Keygeek Raw falls under the categories of 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a moderate level of tactility with lower actuation and bottom-out force, providing a satisfyingly bouncy typing experience with a deep and thocky sound profile. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and advantages, making them appealing choices for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Keygeek Raw uses a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring features a polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches and offers a certain sound profile that is distinct to these switches. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material results in a unique typing experience for each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Just like with the top housing, the material used for the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch. The UMPE & Si blend in the Keygeek Raw provides a specific tactile experience, while the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring adds to the clarity and resonance of the sound profile. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the unique properties of their bottom housing materials.
While the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material still play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced sound profile that changes depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting go of it. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, creates a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is lighter than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, which has an actuation force of 48 grams. However, the Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, slightly heavier than the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range when it comes to bottom out force.
When it comes to weight preferences, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Keygeek Raw for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Keygeek Raw has a shorter travel distance compared to the Aflion Shadow. The shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw may be favored by gamers and those seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Aflion Shadow may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
The Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Raw offers a neutral profile that suits various preferences and environments, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a deep and thocky sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, although the specific sound produced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch is known for its textured and mild typing experience, meeting the preferences of users who enjoy a slight friction while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch provides a bouncy and lively sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback with each keypress. While both offer distinct tactile experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw offers a creamy and lightweight feel with a neutral sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a more bouncy typing experience with a deep and thocky sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force and tactility. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a linear switch with a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a lower bottom out force and a deep, thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are seeking.
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